Host your own tiki party on a budget

As an added bonus, the deliciously kitsch nature of the theme means you can do it all on the cheap. Here's some adorable ideas for transforming your yard into a tiki island escape that your friends will be talking about for years to come!

Tropical décor

Now it's time to go troppo with your décor. Tiki torches are a cheap and easy way to give your backyard an instant island life vibe, and fresh whole pineapples make for excellent table centerpieces or decoration — plus after the party you can use them to make juices, summery desserts and fruit platters.

Of course, you can't very well have a tiki party without a tiki bar. We love this DIY tiki hut by Parties for Pennies — it does require a bit of prep, but guests will be blown away by your efforts.

As a final touch, these adorable faux flower leis and novelty cocktail glasses are a great, fun addition to any tropical soiree — you can hand them out to guests as they arrive to get them in the tiki spirit.

For a tiki-friendly cocktail, you don't get much more summery than this lip-smacking mai tai recipe.

You'll need:

Equipment

A shaker

Tiki mug or disposable martini glasses

Ingredients

30ml white or silver rum

15ml Jamaican rum

15ml coconut rum

15ml lime juice

30ml pineapple juice

30ml orange juice

1 dash grenadine or blue curacao

Cubed ice, crushed

To garnish: Lime wedge, pineapple wedge and mint

To make

Add the ingredients to a cocktail shaker, shake without ice then transfer into a tiki cup, top with crushed ice, swizzle then garnish with pineapple wedges, limes and mint. Serve in your tiki vessel of choice or make a batch in a large, glass drink dispenser — Kmart stocks some affordable 3.7L dispensers from just $10.